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Felonies

Criminal Defense Lawyer in Mankato, MN

Felonies are the most serious offenses people can be charged with and convicted of. Because they are the most serious crimes, the sentencing is the harshest. Depending on the crime, a convicted individual can spend the rest of their life in prison without the possibility of ever being released. Even if released, the conviction affects the rest of a person’s life. The ability to get a job can become difficult, the right to possess a weapon is lost, the right to vote is lost, and many opportunities in life are limited.

If you have been charged with a felony, you are literally in a fight for your life. Because of this, you do not want to trust your life to just anyone. At Birkholz Law, LLC, we work hard for you so that you can have the best possible future. You will work with a Southern Minnesota felonies lawyer who knows both state and federal law and who uses the law and the facts in your case to create strategies that are designed to weaken the prosecution’s case against you. Even if you are guilty, there are factors that can result in a lesser charge so that you receive a less harsh sentence.

Types Of Felonies

The list of felonies is very long. The most serious felony crimes are murder, rape, attempted murder, drug trafficking, arson, robbery, assault with a weapon, assault causing bodily harm, and a number of white collar crimes such as theft involving a significant amount of money or property that is of a high value. Even some offenses that do not seem as severe are felonies, such as making terroristic threats, fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle, and witness tampering. The list goes on and on.

Felony Court

When charged with a felony, your Mankato felonies lawyer will stand with you every step of the way, acting as your advocate and giving you the advice and information needed for you to make informed decisions in your case. The moment you are arrested, it is imperative you call your attorney so you know what you should or should not say and so work can begin on your case immediately.

As for the court process, there is a first hearing in which the charges are acknowledged and bail and bail conditions are established. This is called an arraignment or Rule 5 hearing.

Next is the Rule 8 hearing, which is when the defendant can enter a plea. If no plea is entered, the next hearing will be scheduled. That hearing is called the omnibus hearing. Constitutional issues are also addressed at this time.

After the omnibus hearing, if charges were not dismissed, there is a settlement conference. If the case does not end with the settlement conference, the pretrial and trial are scheduled. Unless the defendant waives their right to a jury trial, the case is tried before a jury of 12 individuals who must unanimously agree on innocence or guilt and agree on a sentence. Your attorney will work hard for you to convince the jury to acquit you or give you the lowest possible penalty.

Contact A Southern Minnesota Felonies Lawyer

If you have been accused of a felony, you could be looking at prison time, fines, restitution, and any other penalty that the judge or jury feels is appropriate according to sentencing guidelines. However, even guilt does not always constitute the maximum penalty and that is why your attorney will fight hard for you. At Birkholz Law, LLC, you will have an attorney by your side who will aggressively fight for your rights and a better future for you. To learn more through a free case evaluation, contact Birkholz Law, LLC at the Mankato office at 507-387-2100, the Westbrook office at 507-274-6501, or the St. James office at 507-375-3374.